Field Hockey

FIELD HOCKEY RELEASES 2018 SCHEDULE

RICHMOND, Va. – VCU Field Hockey has unveiled its 2018 schedule that features eight home contests and non-conference opponents from the ACC, Big East, CAA, Patriot League and MAAC. The slate also features two 2017 NCAA Tournament teams and the River Hawk Classic hosted by UMass-Lowell.

The Rams are coming off a 2017 season in which they posted a 14-6 overall record and a 6-2 mark in Atlantic 10 matches. The 14 wins are the second-most in program history and the 6-2 conference record allowed VCU to record its highest-ever finish since joining the A-10 after wrapping up the regular season in a tie for second place.

VCU returns two-time All-Atlantic 10 First Team selection Emily McNamara who set program records in 2017 with 21 goals and 51 total points. McNamara led the A-10 in goals scored, in total points and shots.

Also returning are 2017 All-Atlantic 10 Rookie Team selections Maite and Svea Sturm. Maite earned All-NFHCA South Region Second Team Honors while Svea was also named to the All-Atlantic 10 Second Team.

The Rams graduated six seniors but have added a talented signing class comprised of seven freshmen. In addition, the roster this season will be composed of five seniors, two juniors and three sophomores.

VCU begin the fall with an exhibition game against Georgetown on Aug. 18 before opening the season at the River Hawk Classic hosted by UMass-Lowell. In the tournament, the Rams will face Hofstra on Aug. 24 and then face either ULM or Bryant on Aug. 26.

The Rams host their home opener on Sept. 2 at 1 p.m. against American at Cary Street Field. VCU travels to William and Mary on Sept. 9 before starting a three-game homestand on Sept. 14 against Saint Louis in the Atlantic 10 opener. Towson travels to VCU on Sept. 16 in a non-conference match and VCU will then host crosstown rival Richmond on Sept. 21.

VCU heads to Old Dominion on Sept. 23, to Saint Francis (Pa.) on Sept. 28 and Bucknell on Sept. 30 before returning to Richmond to face Rider on Oct. 3 and UMass on Oct. 7.

The Rams will spend a weekend in Philadelphia to face 2017 A-10 Champion and NCAA Tournament participant Saint Joseph's in Philadelphia on Oct. 12. It is a rematch of last season's A-10 Championship Semifinal contest. The Rams play at La Salle on Oct. 14.

VCU plays its final two home games against Lock Haven on Oct. 19 and 2017 NCAA Tournament participant Wake Forest on Oct. 21. The Rams conclude the regular season at Davidson on Oct. 26 and the Atlantic 10 Championship will be held at Saint Joseph's Nov. 2-3.